SSE vs WebSockets: Which Should You Choose?

Let's compare of Server-Sent Events (SSE) and WebSockets to help you make the right choice for your real-time application needs.

The Real-Time Communication Dilemma

When building modern web applications that require real-time updates, developers often face a choice between Server-Sent Events (SSE) and WebSockets. While both technologies enable real-time communication between server and client, they serve different purposes and have distinct advantages and limitations.

This guide will help you understand the key differences and choose the right technology for your specific use case.

Feature Comparison

Feature	Server-Sent Events (SSE)	WebSockets
Communication Direction	⚠️ Server → Client only	✅ Bi-directional
Protocol	✅ HTTP/HTTPS	⚠️ Custom protocol
Browser Support	✅ Native support	✅ Native support
Automatic Reconnection	✅ Built-in	❌ Manual implementation
Proxy/Firewall Friendly	✅ Uses standard HTTP	❌ May be blocked
Message Format	⚠️ Text only	✅ Text & Binary
Connection Overhead	✅ Lower	⚠️ Higher
Complexity	✅ Simple	❌ Complex

When Should You Use Each?

🎯 Choose SSE When You Need:

• Real-time dashboards and metrics
• Live news feeds or social media updates
• Stock price or cryptocurrency updates
• Server status notifications
• Live sports scores
• Auction bidding updates
• Progress indicators for long-running tasks
• Simple one-way data streaming

🎮 Choose WebSockets When You Need:

• Real-time chat applications
• Collaborative editing (like Google Docs)
• Online gaming
• Video conferencing
• Interactive whiteboards
• IoT device control
• Binary data transmission
• Two-way communication requirements

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Built on standard HTTP • No vendor lock-in • Standards-based Reconnection